Biafra: No extradition process against Simon Ekpa – Justice Minister

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has refuted claims suggesting that the Federal Government has initiated extradition proceedings against Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of a faction of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Fagbemi, through a statement released by his Special Assistant on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele, clarified that his remarks at a recent event in Abuja had been misinterpreted by some media outlets.

“The attention of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has been drawn to media reports where he was erroneously reported to have said that the federal government had commenced an extradition process against Simon Ekpa,” the statement read.

“The report is untrue and a complete departure from what the AGF said at the Stakeholders/Citizen Engagement Forum held on Thursday in Abuja.

“Ekpa, a leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently standing trial in Finland for charges filed against him by the Finnish government.”

The justice minister had explained that while there are ongoing discussions between Nigeria and Finland concerning Ekpa, no formal extradition efforts have begun. He noted that the trial taking place in Finland is crucial in determining the next course of action.

“To set the record straight, what the AGF said during the question and answer session was that the Nigerian government had been engaging with Finnish authorities to ensure that Simon Ekpa is held accountable for his actions.

“He explained that since the crimes committed by Simon Ekpa were cross-border in nature, the Nigerian government eagerly awaits the outcome of the proposed trial in Finland to have an informed decision on the next step to take,” the statement added.

Fagbemi also urged journalists to verify facts and avoid speculative narratives while reporting on the issue.